Moving Minecraft to the D: drive doesn't seem to work

Question

Moving Minecraft to the D: drive doesn't seem to work

Tanja 5

Screenshot_4

Recently I've upgraded to a new pc and now I can't figure out how to get Minecraft installed on my D: drive instead of the C: drive.

The setting in Windows where new content is saved is already set to D: drive.
I tried switching the installation drive in the Microsoft Store to D:, but when I click it, nothing happens. I can switch it to my external HDD (E:) though.
Also changing the installation folder in the Microsoft Store to a folder on my D: drive doesn't work, I'm getting the error: " We couldn't use that path. Please select a folder in the C: drive, such as C:\XboxGames." I even created a folder called XboxGames on my D: drive which doesn't work.

What options are left to get it installed to the D: drive?

JohnH 0 Reputation points

2026-10-13T18:32:31.7066667+00:00

Hi Clary-N, I had a similar issue to Tanja where I kept telling the Minecraft Launcher to install to D:\ but it seemed to ignore my selection and go to C:\ instead, and for whatever reason that installation would always lead to errors on launch. In my case I was able to update the store to point to D:\ and then install via the store. It seems like the Minecraft Launcher should probably ignore the store setting though as when you tell the launcher to go to D:\ it's expected to the user that it goes to there, and not some default from another application (the store)

This did resolve my issue, for whatever reason the way the Launcher was trying to install it was failing since it was being overridden by the store settings.

1 answer

Your answer

JohnH 0 Reputation points

2026-10-13T18:32:31.7066667+00:00

Hi Clary-N, I had a similar issue to Tanja where I kept telling the Minecraft Launcher to install to D:\ but it seemed to ignore my selection and go to C:\ instead, and for whatever reason that installation would always lead to errors on launch. In my case I was able to update the store to point to D:\ and then install via the store. It seems like the Minecraft Launcher should probably ignore the store setting though as when you tell the launcher to go to D:\ it's expected to the user that it goes to there, and not some default from another application (the store)

This did resolve my issue, for whatever reason the way the Launcher was trying to install it was failing since it was being overridden by the store settings.

Answer 1

Clary-N 17,000 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Tanja,

Thank you for sharing information and screenshots.

Since the issue appears to be related to how the gaming installation services are detecting available drives, I would suggest first checking whether the Xbox app shows the same behavior. Open the Xbox app, select your profile picture in the top-right corner, then go to Settings > Install Options. Under Installation Drive, try selecting the D: drive and save the change. Because the Xbox app and Microsoft Store share the same game installation settings, this can help determine whether the issue is isolated to the Store interface or affects the underlying game installation service as well.

If D: still cannot be selected, try repairing both the Microsoft Store and Xbox app. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locate each app, select the three dots menu, choose Advanced options then click Repair. If the issue persists, return to the same page and select Reset. Once complete, restart the PC and test the installation again.

You could also try temporarily changing the default app save location. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved, change New apps will save to from D: to C:, select Apply, restart the PC, then switch the setting back to D: and restart once more. This can help refresh the storage location settings used by Microsoft Store apps.

I hope this helps. Please let me know the results of these tests and I'll be happy to continue investigating further.

If you have additional questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: If you want to receive email notifications about this thread, follow the steps in our documentation to enable email notifications.

Clary-N 17,000 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-06-25T07:21:50.0066667+00:00

Hi Tanja,

May I know if you have got any chance to check my answer?

I am glad to help if you have any other questions.
Tanja 5 Reputation points

2026-06-29T13:45:42.4233333+00:00

Thank you for your reply.

I was able to change the setting from C: to D: drive in the Microsoft Store after changing the settings in the Xbox app. I have tried all other options you mentioned as well but unfortunately Minecraft is still being installed on my C: Drive.
Clary-N 17,000 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-06-30T07:28:11.32+00:00

Hi Tanja,

Thank you for the update and for testing those steps.

Since you're now able to set D: as the installation drive, it looks like Windows is saving the preference correctly. The remaining question is whether this behavior is specific to Minecraft or affecting other game installations as well.

When you have a chance, could you let me know if other Microsoft Store or Xbox games install to D: successfully or if the issue only occurs with Minecraft? Also, are you installing the Minecraft Launcher itself or a Minecraft game through the launcher?

This information will help us narrow down whether the issue is related specifically to Minecraft or to the game installation service more generally.

I look forward to your update and will be happy to assist further.
Clary-N 17,000 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-01T07:35:44.97+00:00

Hi Tanja,

Have you had a chance to check my answer yet?

Please do keep me updated.